Two Everton targets struggled for Ajax against Manchester United – but Davinson Sanchez impressed.
Ajax’s Davy Klaassen looks dejected
Ajax’s fell at the final hurdle on Wednesday night, as their superb Europa League campaign ended with a 2-0 final defeat to Manchester United.
Goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan handed United the victory in Stockholm, with Ajax failing to really lay a glove on Jose Mourinho’s men in a tepid performance.
Manager Peter Bosz will be disappointing with his side’s display on the big stage, and he’ll also be worrying about the prospect of losing a host of key players this summer.
Ajax’s Kasper Dolberg in action with Manchester United’s Chris Smalling and Daley Blind
Two key players – playmaker Davy Klaassen and striker Kasper Dolberg – have both been linked with exits, as The Mirror and The Express respectively claim that Everton want both players.
Neither player particularly impressed against United, and if Everton were watching the game for potential transfer targets, then defender Davinson Sanchez may have been the most impressive Ajax player on show.
Ajax’s Davinson Sanchez in action with Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard
Sanchez, 20, joined Ajax from Atletico Nacional in his native Colombia last summer, and has ended the season with six goals in 46 games for the Dutch side in all competitions.
Whilst that goalscoring record is impressive for a centre back, it’s his defending that shone through against United. On a number of occasions, Sanchez nullified Marcus Rashford’s pace, showing athleticism of his own as well as strong marking and well-timed challenges to emerge as Ajax’s stand-out performer on the night.
Ajax’s Davinson Sanchez in action with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford
Sanchez looks to be the complete package as a centre back whilst possessing huge potential, and with Everton looking for a young defender alongside Ashley Williams, Sanchez could fit the bill – though Ajax certainly won’t want to lose him after just a year with the Amsterdam giants.
In fact, Sanchez impressed Everton fans so much that a number of supporters took to Twitter to message manager Ronald Koeman about Sanchez, urging him to make a move for the centre back after his display against Manchester United.
Would you like to see Everton sign Sanchez?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
